This piece has so much potential, but to uncover that potential is no easy task!

There are so many different layers that make up this piece. Way back when this piece was originally created it took many hours and innovation to put together. All by hand… every stitch and every nail.

It took me a long time to deconstruct it, removing every stitch and every nail… I can only imagine how long it took to make it. And the quality… VERY high end … it was so well put together I ran into a few snags to take it apart, right down to it’s bare bones.

Originally I thought that I would remove the fabric, repair the springs and be able to use most of what was already there. Wrong! Once the fabric was removed I realized how dry and fragile the insides were. Crumbling to dust when touched in some places.

There were layers of burlap, straw, horse hair, and cotton.

The smell was too much as well. Very musty and dusty with that old “sweet” smell… yet not a good sweet. It’s difficult to describe but all I know is that it just couldn’t be made to go away simply by covering it up with fabric.

The springs were another problem …

They were in a bit of a mess and sadly I decided to remove those as well.

I love the way the construction says so much about the time it was built in. The resources available … the craftsmanship. I have to say, I learned a lot in just taking it apart.

So sad that it has to be thrown out because of smell and decay.

I did manage to find 2 more castors to replace the 2 that were missing.

And now that it’s stripped down to the bare bones and the messy part is over, it’s time for the best part…

7 thoughts on “Eastlake Style Settee | Deconstruction Phase …”

I can’t wait to see how it goes for you! Remember Linda … things ALWAYS have to go through an ugly stage before they get pretty! … Press on my friend :)! My settee is definitely in the really bad stage!
Smiles!

I love Eastlake furniture. I have a chair that I had refinished and reupholstered (before I started revamping stuff on my own). You can see it in the corner of picture I linked up this week at MMS …. Better Than RH Coffee Table. Can’t wait to see how yours turns out!